AutoblogGreen for 03.31.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments"
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough?
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough?: "
Earlier this week we reported that Ford had plans to repurpose its very well-received hybrid powertrain in the Lincoln MKZ. Makes sense, right? Both the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan (sister cars of the MKZ) benefit from the fuel-sipping mill, and by adding a bit of electric power to the Lincoln lineup, Ford is hoping to attract more buyers into its luxury division's showrooms. What's more, since Lincoln vehicles carry higher price points than comparable Ford or Mercury products, the return on this hybrid investment means a larger profit margin for the automaker as a whole.
Well, now it's official. For the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will offer the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline/electric powertrain from the Fusion and Milan hybrids, good for up to 41 miles per gallon in the city. In doing this, Lincoln aims to compete directly with the recently introduced Lexus HS250h, and since the MKZ will net six more MPGs than the HS, it can safely take the title of most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. What's more, the MKZ is slightly larger than the Lexus, and if Ford plays its cards right, we wouldn't be surprised if the MKZ Hybrid is less expensive than the HS, as well.
Aside from the powertrain, the new hybrid doesn't differ too much from the rest of the MKZ range. Plenty of standard amenities are on tap, such as the cool-looking SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a reverse sensing system, heated and cooled front seats, Ford's MyKey system and - of course - SYNC.
But the big question surrounding the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well it will perform against the Lexus, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from a Fusion or Milan with the same powertrain. Consumers who are only looking for efficiency might be willing to sacrifice certain luxury amenities to save money, and this dilemma has always affected MKZ sales. Still, luxury-minted customers would be wise to look at this as an alternative option to the HS250h, and we'll keep a close eye on sales numbers when the MKZ Hybrid goes on sale later this year. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in the press release, and click through our gallery below to see the electrified MKZ for yourself.
[Source: Lincoln]
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this week we reported that Ford had plans to repurpose its very well-received hybrid powertrain in the Lincoln MKZ. Makes sense, right? Both the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan (sister cars of the MKZ) benefit from the fuel-sipping mill, and by adding a bit of electric power to the Lincoln lineup, Ford is hoping to attract more buyers into its luxury division's showrooms. What's more, since Lincoln vehicles carry higher price points than comparable Ford or Mercury products, the return on this hybrid investment means a larger profit margin for the automaker as a whole.
Well, now it's official. For the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will offer the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline/electric powertrain from the Fusion and Milan hybrids, good for up to 41 miles per gallon in the city. In doing this, Lincoln aims to compete directly with the recently introduced Lexus HS250h, and since the MKZ will net six more MPGs than the HS, it can safely take the title of most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. What's more, the MKZ is slightly larger than the Lexus, and if Ford plays its cards right, we wouldn't be surprised if the MKZ Hybrid is less expensive than the HS, as well.
Aside from the powertrain, the new hybrid doesn't differ too much from the rest of the MKZ range. Plenty of standard amenities are on tap, such as the cool-looking SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a reverse sensing system, heated and cooled front seats, Ford's MyKey system and - of course - SYNC.
But the big question surrounding the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well it will perform against the Lexus, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from a Fusion or Milan with the same powertrain. Consumers who are only looking for efficiency might be willing to sacrifice certain luxury amenities to save money, and this dilemma has always affected MKZ sales. Still, luxury-minted customers would be wise to look at this as an alternative option to the HS250h, and we'll keep a close eye on sales numbers when the MKZ Hybrid goes on sale later this year. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in the press release, and click through our gallery below to see the electrified MKZ for yourself.
[Source: Lincoln]
Continue reading 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough?
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments"2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport shows up looking sharp in NYC
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport shows up looking sharp in NYC: "
Suzuki decided that tomorrow wasn't soon enough to take the wraps off its new 2011 Kizashi Sport, so they invited us media types to SoHo tonight for a sneak peek before the official unveiling at the 2010 New York Auto Show. What we saw when we arrived was a very sharp looking Kizashi done up in fiery red with new 18-inch alloy wheels, a deeper front chin spoiler, a trunklid spoiler and extended side sills with a dash of chrome here and there. While we had hoped to see a 'V6' badge somewhere on it, we were sadly left wanting.
In fact, the 2011 Sport doesn't have any performance tweaks in the engine bay, just the exterior changes and a firmed up suspension. There's also a new sport steering wheel inside as well as contrasting stitching throughout. The Sport package will be available on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels and ia scheduled to go on sale in the States this August. We have a sneaking suspicion that this is the same Kizashi concept we saw several months ago out at Cars & Coffee, not that there's anything wrong with that. There's a gallery of live pics below along with the freshly released media pics, and the full press release can be after the jump.
[Source: American Suzuki Motor Corp.]
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Suzuki
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
Suzuki decided that tomorrow wasn't soon enough to take the wraps off its new 2011 Kizashi Sport, so they invited us media types to SoHo tonight for a sneak peek before the official unveiling at the 2010 New York Auto Show. What we saw when we arrived was a very sharp looking Kizashi done up in fiery red with new 18-inch alloy wheels, a deeper front chin spoiler, a trunklid spoiler and extended side sills with a dash of chrome here and there. While we had hoped to see a 'V6' badge somewhere on it, we were sadly left wanting.
In fact, the 2011 Sport doesn't have any performance tweaks in the engine bay, just the exterior changes and a firmed up suspension. There's also a new sport steering wheel inside as well as contrasting stitching throughout. The Sport package will be available on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels and ia scheduled to go on sale in the States this August. We have a sneaking suspicion that this is the same Kizashi concept we saw several months ago out at Cars & Coffee, not that there's anything wrong with that. There's a gallery of live pics below along with the freshly released media pics, and the full press release can be after the jump.
[Source: American Suzuki Motor Corp.]
Continue reading 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport shows up looking sharp in NYC
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport shows up looking sharp in NYC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments"2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus
2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus: "
2011 Scion tC: Sneak Peek - Click above for image gallery
Thanks to our anonymous tipster from earlier in the day, we know a lot more about the updated 2011 Scion tC than we did yesterday. Tomorrow we'll know even more when the new car debuts at the 2010 New York Auto Show. In the meantime, Scion itself has released a video that confirms many of our tipster's earlier details, as well as provides some unfettered views of the new tC's design.
The video, which can be viewed after the jump, confirms that the tC will be available with a slightly larger engine at 2.5 liters of displacement compared to the current model's 2.4 liters. We don't know yet how much little extra bit of volume will translate into extra horsepower, but the man in the video says there will be more than before (torque too). Add to that confirmation of both a six-speed manual and automatic transmission, improved fuel economy, 18-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes and an eight-speaker stereo with a USB port.
The video also shows a few fast glimpses of the '11 tC's redesigned exterior, which we've captured and gallerized below in the hope that a few seizures from the video's quick cuts might be prevented. Regardless, It won't be long until the teasing stops and the 2011 Scion tC greets the world onstage in the Big Apple tomorrow.
[Source: Scion]
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Videos
2011 Scion tC: Sneak Peek - Click above for image gallery
Thanks to our anonymous tipster from earlier in the day, we know a lot more about the updated 2011 Scion tC than we did yesterday. Tomorrow we'll know even more when the new car debuts at the 2010 New York Auto Show. In the meantime, Scion itself has released a video that confirms many of our tipster's earlier details, as well as provides some unfettered views of the new tC's design.
The video, which can be viewed after the jump, confirms that the tC will be available with a slightly larger engine at 2.5 liters of displacement compared to the current model's 2.4 liters. We don't know yet how much little extra bit of volume will translate into extra horsepower, but the man in the video says there will be more than before (torque too). Add to that confirmation of both a six-speed manual and automatic transmission, improved fuel economy, 18-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes and an eight-speaker stereo with a USB port.
The video also shows a few fast glimpses of the '11 tC's redesigned exterior, which we've captured and gallerized below in the hope that a few seizures from the video's quick cuts might be prevented. Regardless, It won't be long until the teasing stops and the 2011 Scion tC greets the world onstage in the Big Apple tomorrow.
[Source: Scion]
Continue reading 2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus
2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments"All-singing, all-dancing car emblems warp our fragile little minds [w/video]
All-singing, all-dancing car emblems warp our fragile little minds [w/video]: "
'There are thousands of products available to customize a car's performance or handling. There are even more products for unique interiors, exteriors, lights, and sounds. But, in the midst of all the products and kits out there, no one has been able to alter their car's emblem... until now.' So says Emblem Alive, a newly created company that seeks to change theface fascia of motoring forevermore.
Actually, we have seen custom emblems before, but we'll let them get away with their statement anyway. 'Cause it's just that cool. Or something. Seriously, who wouldn't want a galloping, neighing Ford Mustang emblem on their brand-new ponycar from the Blue Oval? Or, ya know, a golden Bowtie that beats like The Heartbeat of America?
Let's play with the idea of a dancing and singing emblem a little bit, shall we? How about a growling Jaguar Leaper? Or a Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy that pops up from the grille (oh, wait) and speaks in the most pretentious voice you can come up with: 'My other car is a Veyron' as it dances like a dashboard-mounted novelty hula girl. A Ram 1500 that proudly declares 'Yeah, it's got a Hemi.' Our personal pick: a Z-car emblem that whispers 'Black Gold.'
'The choices are amazing. The possibilities are endless.' Why yes, they are. And don't you worry. A spitting Cobra is reportedly in the works.
By the way, we're well aware that Thursday is April 1st, and this could very well be an extremely elaborate joke intended to make us all look foolish. That said, somebody sure went to a whole heck of a lot of trouble if that's the case. We want to believe, we really do. You will too - just click past the break to watch the video and read the press release. All your dreams will come true. Trust us.
[Source: Emblem Alive]
Filed under: Aftermarket, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford, Humor, Design/Style
Dance, Mustang! Dance! - Click above to watch the video after the break
'There are thousands of products available to customize a car's performance or handling. There are even more products for unique interiors, exteriors, lights, and sounds. But, in the midst of all the products and kits out there, no one has been able to alter their car's emblem... until now.' So says Emblem Alive, a newly created company that seeks to change the
Actually, we have seen custom emblems before, but we'll let them get away with their statement anyway. 'Cause it's just that cool. Or something. Seriously, who wouldn't want a galloping, neighing Ford Mustang emblem on their brand-new ponycar from the Blue Oval? Or, ya know, a golden Bowtie that beats like The Heartbeat of America?
Let's play with the idea of a dancing and singing emblem a little bit, shall we? How about a growling Jaguar Leaper? Or a Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy that pops up from the grille (oh, wait) and speaks in the most pretentious voice you can come up with: 'My other car is a Veyron' as it dances like a dashboard-mounted novelty hula girl. A Ram 1500 that proudly declares 'Yeah, it's got a Hemi.' Our personal pick: a Z-car emblem that whispers 'Black Gold.'
'The choices are amazing. The possibilities are endless.' Why yes, they are. And don't you worry. A spitting Cobra is reportedly in the works.
By the way, we're well aware that Thursday is April 1st, and this could very well be an extremely elaborate joke intended to make us all look foolish. That said, somebody sure went to a whole heck of a lot of trouble if that's the case. We want to believe, we really do. You will too - just click past the break to watch the video and read the press release. All your dreams will come true. Trust us.
[Source: Emblem Alive]
Continue reading All-singing, all-dancing car emblems warp our fragile little minds [w/video]
All-singing, all-dancing car emblems warp our fragile little minds [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments"Reader Spy: 2011 Scion tC caught on New York show stand ahead of reveal, looks much the same *Updated
Reader Spy: 2011 Scion tC caught on New York show stand ahead of reveal, looks much the same *Updated: "
We have always thought that the Scion tC was a pretty tidy looking little hatchback, but as it's been on sale since 2004, well, it's gotten a bit tired, even though there are very few inexpensive front-drive sport-ish coupes to choose from these days. With that in mind, we've been looking forward to the introduction of the long-awaited 2011 model, expecting a fairly radical step forward. Judging by this new spy shot from an anonymous tipster, perhaps we ought to temper our expectations a bit.
While the single snapshot in question is blurry and blown out, it does show what appears to be a new lower fascia, grille, wheels, and side mirrors. The headlamps are too washed out under the showstand's high-power lights to tell if they've been altered (it appears that the photo was taken during a presentation rehearsal ahead tomorrow's New York Auto Show reveal), but it's reasonable to assume that the tC will receive new lights both front and rear, as they're a hallmark of almost any vehicle refresh.
As for what lies underneath the reskin, we're not yet sure, as the only thing to have slipped out about the new model that appears credible are a few official-looking detail shots that reveal items like a new manual shift mode for the automatic transmission and revamped HVAC controls.
We'll have more on the 2011 tC after Scion's press conference tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can play a game of 'spot the differences' from the outgoing car by checking out our high-res gallery of Scion's latest special edition model below.
*UPDATE: Our man with the spy cam has offered up the following details about the 2011 tC:
We'll see if our inside man is right on the money tomorrow.
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Scion
We have always thought that the Scion tC was a pretty tidy looking little hatchback, but as it's been on sale since 2004, well, it's gotten a bit tired, even though there are very few inexpensive front-drive sport-ish coupes to choose from these days. With that in mind, we've been looking forward to the introduction of the long-awaited 2011 model, expecting a fairly radical step forward. Judging by this new spy shot from an anonymous tipster, perhaps we ought to temper our expectations a bit.
While the single snapshot in question is blurry and blown out, it does show what appears to be a new lower fascia, grille, wheels, and side mirrors. The headlamps are too washed out under the showstand's high-power lights to tell if they've been altered (it appears that the photo was taken during a presentation rehearsal ahead tomorrow's New York Auto Show reveal), but it's reasonable to assume that the tC will receive new lights both front and rear, as they're a hallmark of almost any vehicle refresh.
As for what lies underneath the reskin, we're not yet sure, as the only thing to have slipped out about the new model that appears credible are a few official-looking detail shots that reveal items like a new manual shift mode for the automatic transmission and revamped HVAC controls.
We'll have more on the 2011 tC after Scion's press conference tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can play a game of 'spot the differences' from the outgoing car by checking out our high-res gallery of Scion's latest special edition model below.
*UPDATE: Our man with the spy cam has offered up the following details about the 2011 tC:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (2010 model has a 2.4-liter)
- Six-speed manual or automatic gearbox with sequential shifter
- 18-inch wheels standard (with wider tires)
- Traction and stability control (defeatable)
- Wider track for improved stance
- Flat-bottom steering wheel 'one of the best feeling out there (comparable to the one used in the GTI), very thick'
- Improved seats with 'good bolsters and shoulder height bolsters, too'
- Improved rear headroom (but panoramic moonroof stays)
- Overall, a 'very nice feeling interior (for the price point and even above)'
- Eight-speaker stereo standard
- Single outlet exhaust ('would like nice with a dual back there')
We'll see if our inside man is right on the money tomorrow.
Reader Spy: 2011 Scion tC caught on New York show stand ahead of reveal, looks much the same *Updated originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments"Report: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee production will start May 3
Report: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee production will start May 3: "
Chrysler is hard at work getting the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee ready for the road, and Automotive News now reports that production is scheduled to start on May 3. Further down the line, Chrysler plans to completely refresh or replace its entire model lineup by 2012, and the new Grand Cherokee carries a tough burden on its shoulders. Not only must it prove to the world that Chrysler is serious about ramping up its overall quality, but it must continue to offer amenities that are attractive to not only off-road enthusiasts while satisfying people looking for a well-to-do family hauler, as well.
As we reported earlier, the new Grand Cherokee will be available with either Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, or the well-liked 5.7-liter Hemi V8. What's more, a much better platform (derived from the Mercedes-Benz M Class) means that the GC will be substantially stiffer than the outgoing model, and with features like an air suspension and Selec-Terrain controller, it should provide have serious off-road credentials, as well.
Look for the 2011 Grand Cherokee to hit Jeep dealers this July, with pricing reportedly starting in the low-$30,000 range.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Jeep, Off-Road
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery
Chrysler is hard at work getting the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee ready for the road, and Automotive News now reports that production is scheduled to start on May 3. Further down the line, Chrysler plans to completely refresh or replace its entire model lineup by 2012, and the new Grand Cherokee carries a tough burden on its shoulders. Not only must it prove to the world that Chrysler is serious about ramping up its overall quality, but it must continue to offer amenities that are attractive to not only off-road enthusiasts while satisfying people looking for a well-to-do family hauler, as well.
As we reported earlier, the new Grand Cherokee will be available with either Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, or the well-liked 5.7-liter Hemi V8. What's more, a much better platform (derived from the Mercedes-Benz M Class) means that the GC will be substantially stiffer than the outgoing model, and with features like an air suspension and Selec-Terrain controller, it should provide have serious off-road credentials, as well.
Look for the 2011 Grand Cherokee to hit Jeep dealers this July, with pricing reportedly starting in the low-$30,000 range.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Report: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee production will start May 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments"Report: Mahindra may look to freeze joint venture with Renault
Report: Mahindra may look to freeze joint venture with Renault: "
In India, the Dacia Logan is sold as the Mahindra Logan, manufactured as part of a joint venture between Mahindra and Renault. Observers suggest, though, that because the Mahindra Logan isn't selling well, the Indian company will wind down its involvement in the joint venture. If Mahinda does take a giant step back, it is doubtful that Renault would just walk away from the Indian Logan, which is said to be priced a little too high because of a tariff on its length.
Last month Renault India confirmed that the partnership was being restructured, but haven't yet indicated where things will go. The apparent option is Mahindra decreasing its equity stake by not investing any further, although another form of equity restructuring might also be in play.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Renault, India
In India, the Dacia Logan is sold as the Mahindra Logan, manufactured as part of a joint venture between Mahindra and Renault. Observers suggest, though, that because the Mahindra Logan isn't selling well, the Indian company will wind down its involvement in the joint venture. If Mahinda does take a giant step back, it is doubtful that Renault would just walk away from the Indian Logan, which is said to be priced a little too high because of a tariff on its length.
Last month Renault India confirmed that the partnership was being restructured, but haven't yet indicated where things will go. The apparent option is Mahindra decreasing its equity stake by not investing any further, although another form of equity restructuring might also be in play.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Report: Mahindra may look to freeze joint venture with Renault originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments"2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video
2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video: "
Nissan's new-for-2011 Juke is set to make its North American debut at tomorrow's New York Auto Show, and the small crossover's polarizing moon-buggy styling is sure to set tongues wagging, just as it did during its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Having seen this vehicle in person already, we can tell you that its 'Baby Predator' front end takes some getting used to, but it all comes together better than expected, and the interior seems surprisingly roomy and well-resolved.
Much smaller in person than one might think, the curvy ute is significantly shorter than vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 - it's even shorter than the new Hyundai Tucson and Nissan's own Rogue, not to mention the likes of Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport (itself another NY debut). The closest competitor we can think of is Suzuki's SX4 crossover, which is, believe it or not, actually longer than the Juke. In the end, we fully expect it to be cross-shopped with more conventional hatchbacks (Mazda3), as well as 'box cars' like the Kia Soul.
Featuring the first application of Nissan's 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder turbo in North America, it will be available with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, so it might just be the driver's car of the bunch, too. Featuring '180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque,' it will be available in both six-speed manual form and CVT with a sport setting. Unfortunately, the three-pedal setup will only be available in front-drive SV and SL trim, however. That torque-vectoring system? It defaults to a 50:50 front-to-rear split, but it can push power from side-to-side along the rear axle when situations warrant.
No official pricing has been revealed yet, but Nissan promises that the Juke will start at 'just under $20,000.' Want to learn more? Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press releases and spec sheet after the jump.
Update: Three videos of the Juke, its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and Nissan's new direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (definitely the one to watch) have been added after the jump.
[Source: Nissan]
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Nissan
2011 Nissan Juke - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nissan's new-for-2011 Juke is set to make its North American debut at tomorrow's New York Auto Show, and the small crossover's polarizing moon-buggy styling is sure to set tongues wagging, just as it did during its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Having seen this vehicle in person already, we can tell you that its 'Baby Predator' front end takes some getting used to, but it all comes together better than expected, and the interior seems surprisingly roomy and well-resolved.
Much smaller in person than one might think, the curvy ute is significantly shorter than vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 - it's even shorter than the new Hyundai Tucson and Nissan's own Rogue, not to mention the likes of Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport (itself another NY debut). The closest competitor we can think of is Suzuki's SX4 crossover, which is, believe it or not, actually longer than the Juke. In the end, we fully expect it to be cross-shopped with more conventional hatchbacks (Mazda3), as well as 'box cars' like the Kia Soul.
Featuring the first application of Nissan's 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder turbo in North America, it will be available with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, so it might just be the driver's car of the bunch, too. Featuring '180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque,' it will be available in both six-speed manual form and CVT with a sport setting. Unfortunately, the three-pedal setup will only be available in front-drive SV and SL trim, however. That torque-vectoring system? It defaults to a 50:50 front-to-rear split, but it can push power from side-to-side along the rear axle when situations warrant.
No official pricing has been revealed yet, but Nissan promises that the Juke will start at 'just under $20,000.' Want to learn more? Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press releases and spec sheet after the jump.
Update: Three videos of the Juke, its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and Nissan's new direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (definitely the one to watch) have been added after the jump.
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading 2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video
2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments"Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan
Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan: "
Earlier this year, we reported that Nissan would be dropping the Quest minivan from its lineup for the 2010 model year, but we noted that a replacement is in the works. Today, Nissan is showing off this teaser image of the next-generation model which will go on sale in early 2011.
Details are slim as of this writing, but what we can gather from this shadowy photo is that the new Quest will look substantially different than the odd-looking outgoing model. While many automakers have been abandoning the minivan segment, Japanese rivals at Toyota and Honda continue to duke it out - the former with their new Sienna and the latter with their soon-to-be all-new Odyssey. Whether because of its avante-garde styling or occasionally indifferent quality control, Nissan's current Quest has never really found its sales groove here in North America. Will the new model change things? Only time will tell.
Hit the jump for Nissan's brief statement about this Quest teaser, and click here to see the high-res version.
[Source: Nissan]
Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Nissan, Design/Style
Nissan Quest teaser image - Click above to enlarge
Earlier this year, we reported that Nissan would be dropping the Quest minivan from its lineup for the 2010 model year, but we noted that a replacement is in the works. Today, Nissan is showing off this teaser image of the next-generation model which will go on sale in early 2011.
Details are slim as of this writing, but what we can gather from this shadowy photo is that the new Quest will look substantially different than the odd-looking outgoing model. While many automakers have been abandoning the minivan segment, Japanese rivals at Toyota and Honda continue to duke it out - the former with their new Sienna and the latter with their soon-to-be all-new Odyssey. Whether because of its avante-garde styling or occasionally indifferent quality control, Nissan's current Quest has never really found its sales groove here in North America. Will the new model change things? Only time will tell.
Hit the jump for Nissan's brief statement about this Quest teaser, and click here to see the high-res version.
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan
Nissan teases next-generation Quest minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments"Saab's hiring! 500 workers reportedly needed to boost production
Saab's hiring! 500 workers reportedly needed to boost production: "
Interested in a job in the automotive world? Saab has the news that you've been waiting for. According to AFP news service, production of Saab vehicles will be boosted to six times the current amount in just two short years. In order to meet that ambitious target, the automaker has announced that it will need the help of 500 more workers.
Spyker Cars, the new owners of Saab, announced the need for more workers in Paris last Wednesday. Spyker chief executive Victor Muller also laid out some future financial plans for the Saab brand. Muller said that Saab would receive $1 billion in support and plans for expanding the sales volume will result in overall profit by 2012.
Last year, Saab produced just 20,000 vehicles, though it produced over 90,000 in 2008 before it looked like (then) parent General Motors was fixin' to close up its Swedish shop.. By 2012, the company aims to produce 120,000 vehicles. Spyker anticipates that Saab will sell around 50,000 vehicles this year and slowly increase production until the 2012 target is met. Meeting the goals apparently requires a workforce of 4,000 people, which in turn requires 500 new workers, a sizable hiring uncommon in recent automotive history.
[Source: AFP via Google News]
Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab, Spyker
Saab resumes production - Click above for high-res image gallery
Interested in a job in the automotive world? Saab has the news that you've been waiting for. According to AFP news service, production of Saab vehicles will be boosted to six times the current amount in just two short years. In order to meet that ambitious target, the automaker has announced that it will need the help of 500 more workers.
Spyker Cars, the new owners of Saab, announced the need for more workers in Paris last Wednesday. Spyker chief executive Victor Muller also laid out some future financial plans for the Saab brand. Muller said that Saab would receive $1 billion in support and plans for expanding the sales volume will result in overall profit by 2012.
Last year, Saab produced just 20,000 vehicles, though it produced over 90,000 in 2008 before it looked like (then) parent General Motors was fixin' to close up its Swedish shop.. By 2012, the company aims to produce 120,000 vehicles. Spyker anticipates that Saab will sell around 50,000 vehicles this year and slowly increase production until the 2012 target is met. Meeting the goals apparently requires a workforce of 4,000 people, which in turn requires 500 new workers, a sizable hiring uncommon in recent automotive history.
[Source: AFP via Google News]
Saab's hiring! 500 workers reportedly needed to boost production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments"Surprise! Americans Want Public Transportation
Surprise! Americans Want Public Transportation: "
Hot on the heels of debate over a new transportation spending bill, a new poll shows that most Americans want to see more funding for public transportation, and only drive because they have few better options.
In a survey commissioned by the transportation advocacy group Transportation For America (T4), pollsters asked Americans what priorities they’d like to see in an upcoming transportation bill that will replace 2005’s SAFETEA-LU.
It may come as a shock to anyone whose town’s main road features parking lots, strip malls and no mass transit to speak of that most Americans (82 percent) would like to see expanded public transportation that makes better use of rail and buses.
Similarly, though 73 percent of respondents said they have “no choice” but to drive most places, the majority said they’d rather be getting to work, school or vacation some other way — specifically, on a bus, on a bike or on foot.
Support for public transportation was strongest in urban areas and in the Northeast, but a full 58 percent nationwide said that more money should be spent on bus, rail and other public transit. Even in sparsely populated rural areas that may never see a bus or a train pass through, half of respondents said they’d support increased transportation funding.
“In small towns and big cities alike, Americans are saying loudly and clearly that their lives would be better, and their nation stronger, if we had world-class public transportation and more options for walking and bicycling,” said Geoff Anderson, T4 co-chair and CEO of Smart Growth America.
Indeed, support even broke party lines, with 67 percent of Democrats and 49 percent of Republicans favoring transportation money being spent on buses and trains rather than roads and highways.
Before you dismiss the survey as biased, consider that T4 enlisted the help of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates, a Democratic-affiliated polling firm, and Public Opinion Strategies, a Republican-affiliated firm. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
See Also:
- Fun Times Ahead as Transportation Bill Takes Shape
- Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals
- To Create Jobs, Build Public Transit, Not Highways
Photo: Flickr/kingdafy
"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)